ok so I feel better now knowing that it's that common
also, isnt it useful to be familiar with some linear alg. in order to understand systems of diffeqs in the latter part of the course? I'm taking a diffeqs course right now, but there's no way we're getting to that in a months time. i looked through it and only sort of understand it with whatever linear algebra i know
as far as 18.700 i don't think i want to do theoretical math but its good to know that its also an option